Obama’s Shouldn’t Be Allowed To Settle

November 18, 2013

Barack Obama is not the first U.S. president to be taken in by con games pursued by other world leaders. Many times in the past, both Democrat and Republican chief executives have allowed themselves to be manipulated.

But Obama's egotism regarding foreign affairs is enormous. He seems to believe the power of his own personality will bend other leaders to his will.

Iranian officials have been taking advantage of that during negotiations over their country's program to build nuclear weapons.

Talks on the subject have involved negotiators from the U.S., Iran, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia and China. Even before the meetings began, Iran scored a major victory by excluding representatives of other Middle East countries, including Israel, that have large stakes in the outcome.

In essence, the Iranians have offered a "trust us" deal. They would be allowed to continue enriching uranium to weapons-grade quality, in exchange for a pledge to use the material peacefully.

Israeli leaders see the plan for what it is - a cave-in to Tehran. The French already have said they will not participate in such an agreement.

Iran is suffering from economic sanctions levied against it because of the nuclear program. Otherwise, the nation's leaders never would have consented to talk.

Obama wants a deal - any deal - to bolster his reputation here at home. Some members of Congress, including Democrats and Republicans who don't trust Iran, should not allow him to settle for a deal not worth the paper on which it is recorded.